Originally dating from the 11th century, the church of Saint-Étienne was entirely rebuilt in the second half of the 15th century, under the impetus of Philippe de Commines, then governor of Chinon. The choir, of the same width as the nave, is illuminated by four large bays. It is equipped with a cutaway apse, also allowing three large openings. This set was glazed by Julien-Léopold and Lucien-Léopold Lobin between 1858 and 1883. In the apse, Julien-Léopold Lobin evokes the life and martyrdom of Saint Étienne (bay 0, 1), as well as the life of his executioner, Saint Paul (bay 2). In the chancel, the stained glass windows executed by Lucien-Léopold Lobin evoke local religious history: Saint Mexme saving the city of Chinon besieged by the Visigoths in the 5th century (bay 4), the death of Saint Martin at Candes (bay 6), Saint Radegonde meeting Saint John de Moûtier, hermit in Chinon, during a pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint Martin (bay 3), and Saint Joan of Arc recognizing Charles VII at the castle of Chinon, in February 1429 (bay 5). To the north of the nave, a narrow chapel has a glass roof representing angels who carry the instruments of the Passion (bay 7). Undated, it is however signed by Julien-Léopold Lobin and seems to date back to before 1860. The other stained glass windows of the church of Saint-Étienne were made by Joseph-Prosper Florence, in the last decade of the 19th century. In addition to the grisailles closing the high bays of the nave, Florence is thus the author of a Gift of the Rosary to Saint Dominic (bay 8, 1895), and a Baptism of Clovis (bay 14, 1897). Source: https://patrimoine.centre-valdeloire.fr/gertrude-diffusion/dossier/IM37003117 Informations Free visit Access prohibited during the services For more details on opening hours and events: paroisse-chinon.fr 02 47 93 07 97

Address
Place de l'Église Saint-Étienne, 37500 Chinon, Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, France